World Glaucoma Day

World Glaucoma Day is celebrated every year on March 12 to raise awareness about glaucoma and its consequences.

Facts

• Glaucoma is a chronic, progressive, degenerative disorder of the optic nerve that produces characteristic visual field damage. Glaucoma is the second cause of blindness, and importantly: it is irreversible.
• It is estimated that around 80 million people have glaucoma worldwide. Approximately 50% of the individuals with glaucoma are unaware that they have the disease, and this number may be even higher in underdeveloped countries.
• Glaucoma is the first cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.
• It is estimated that approximately 50% of glaucoma cases are undiagnosed.
• While it is true that the disease is incurable, it is also true that 90% of the blindness caused by glaucoma could be prevented by early detection and treatment.
• In its early stages, glaucoma is asymptomatic.
• If untreated, glaucoma may progress to blindness.
• Periodic testing allows early diagnosis to prevent visual disability.

World Glaucoma Week, March 6-12, 2022